BA | Undergraduate

Irish and History

Students on the BA Irish and History will receive intensive tuition in the Irish language with three hours of language instruction each week. You may also chose from a wide range of modules relating to Irish culture and society such as film-making, the short story, poetry, Gaelic identity, mythology and Scottish Gaelic. In History, there is a wide choice of modules spanning a long chronological period from Ancient History through to the Contemporary History of the late twentieth century and include modules on Irish history.

Irish and History Degree highlights

Queen’s is the top ranked Irish programme in the Sunday Times Good University 2016.

Global Opportunities

You will have a chance to spend up to a year studying business in the US or you can take a semester at another university in Europe.

Industry Links

We have former students in senior positions in most Irish language sectors and we maintain good links with media production companies, the translation sector and language promotion agencies. Several modules include links with local collaborative partners, which provide students with opportunities to network with experts in the field or to gain experience of particular industries prior to graduation.

World Class Facilities

Queen’s has an excellent library for Irish materials and an outstanding collection of resources relating to Ireland.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Queen’s has world-leading experts in the history of the Irish language and literature and had the highest ranked research unit including Irish and Celtic languages in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.

Student Experience

Students receive intensive instruction in spoken and written Irish and the School supports a 3-week summer school in the Donegal Gaeltacht each year.

Scottish Gaelic Language
Irish Poetic Tradition 1650-1850
Skills in Irish Translation
Irish Film Studies
Irish Writing and the Short Story
Politics and Society in 20th Century
The making of contemporary Britain
The American South 1619-1865
The Roman Origins of the East
Europe between the Wars 1919 - 1939
Life, Love and Death in England
The American South, 1865-1980
Revolutionary Europe, 1500-1789
History and Society
Greece and Macedon 404-337 BC
Roman Empire (AD 41-235)
Apocalypse! End of the World.
International Module
Politics and Society in 19th Century

Stage 3

Gaeilge 3

Stage 3 Optional Courses

Modern Irish Poetry
Language, Literature and Irish Identity
The Russian Revolution
Popular Culture in England 1500-1700
The Soviet Union 1921-1991
Rome Under The Early Emperors
The Irish Revolution, 1917-1921
Kings,courts,culture -Caroling
Gender, Family and Household in Ireland, c. 1740-1840
Crime & Punishment 19th Century
Britain and the Cold War, 1945 - 1991
The War of Ideas 17 Century Ireland
Modern America: Since 1964
Society and Politics in Belfast
The Origins of the Protestantism
Evangelical Protestantism in Ulster: From the United Irishmen to Ian Paisley
History Dissertation
After Slavery: Race and Labour
Modernity in Missions:
Age of anxiety: Irish Culture
Kings and Saints in Early Ireland

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable our students to achieve their full academic potential.

We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.

Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

E-Learning technologiesA wide range of information associated with modules is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Typically, lecture notes are provided through QOL for each module along with other support material. Much of the recommended reading is available through the same environment.

Gaeltacht CourseStudents taking a BA in Irish spend a total of six weeks on a dedicated summer course in Rinn na Feirste in Donegal. Here students engage with native speakers while staying in accommodation with a host family. Intensive, structured tuition is provided by qualified native Irish speakers during the course involving approximately 60 hours of placement learning during each course. In addition to the benefits for oral competence in Irish, the residence course provides a unique opportunity for immersion in Gaeltacht culture and establishes a tremendous camaraderie among students.

Language enrichment classesIntensive 2-hour language enrichment classes provide students with opportunities to develop oral skills and develop their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in real-life, practical contexts. These classes are taught in very small groups (typically 12-15 students). Students will also be expected to attend one class per week on language accuracy.

LecturesThese introduce you to basic information about new topics as a starting point for your own further private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments.

Personal TutorStudents are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. This gives students one identified contact with whom to discuss any difficulties they might encounter and who can answer any queries they might have.

Self-directed studyThis is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback and assignment research and preparation work is carried out

Seminars/tutorialsAlmost all of the teaching in Irish is carried out in small groups (typically 15 students). These provide significant opportunity for you to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of your classmates.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

The way in which you will be assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Language modules are assessed through a variety of written tasks, class tests, a formal written examination and an oral exam at the end of the year. All other modules are assessed through a variety of forms of coursework which may include book reviews, projects, presentations, essays and language tasks. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students at the beginning of their first year.

Feedback

As students progress through this course they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module convenors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

Formal written comments and marks relating to work that students, as individuals or as part of a group, have submitted

General comments or question and answer opportunities during or at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.

Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.

Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.

Facilities

Queen’s has a world class library and its Special Collections in the library has a targeted policy for collecting resources relating to Ireland. The Language Centre has state-of-the-art facilities for language learning.

Entrance requirements

GraduateA minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For last year's intake, applicants for this BA programme offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language). Performance in any AS or A-level examinations already completed would also have been taken into account and the Selector checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally be made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat candidates is set in terms of three A-levels and may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Access courses, BTEC Extended Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas can be considered, provided the subject requirements for entry to Irish are also fulfilled.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of BA degrees, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering Academic English and Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

Career Prospects

IntroductionStudying on this pathway will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, particularly in a world where critical thinking, cross-cultural awareness and communication skills are at a premium.

88% of graduates in Irish are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduation. Starting salaries may be in the region of £21,800.

Employment after the CourseFormer graduates in Irish have gone on to work as teachers, translators, language officers, and researchers. Many have taken up employment in the media as presenters and producers. Graduates may also enter careers in business, management consultancy and software development.

Employment LinksQueen’s has strong links with a number of employers including the Department for Communities, the BBC, Irish Language Broadcast Fund and other media companies, and employers are routinely invited to address the Irish students. Many of our students work in primary and secondary schools as classroom assistants and language assistants while studying for their degree. Other opportunities to gain employment experience are provided by media companies located in the area and theatre and community groups in Belfast.

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards

Students receive a certificate of distinction for first class performance in the Level 3 oral.

The Donohoe prize is awarded for the highest mark in the oral examination in Level Two

The Emrys Evans Book prize is awarded at Levels One and Two for the best performance in the written language examination.

There are a number of undergraduate prizes available to top-performing students in Irish. In addition to Foundation Scholarships recognizing outstanding achievement in Level One, we have a range of endowed prizes.

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit-advice/information-for-students

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.

If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.

Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Irish and History costs

Joint honours Irish students are required to spend 2 periods of residence in the Gaeltacht between Years 1 and 2 and between Years 2 and 3. The trips are subsidised by the School but each student is required to pay a contribution per residency (currently £180, i.e. £360 in total). Students have to pay their travel to and from the Gaeltacht.

Students have a compulsory year abroad in year 3 of their degree. Students who undertake a period of study or work abroad are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students should be aware that placement and internship modules do not normally involve payment or financial support from either Queen’s or the placement/internship provider.

Placement options include:

Erasmus Work with British Council as Teaching Assistant: Students currently receive approximately €780 net per month and an Erasmus monthly grant of approximately €300 .
A limited number of Erasmus grants are available.
Erasmus Study Placement: Students currently receive an Erasmus monthly grant of €300.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

International Scholarships

How and when to Apply

How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2020) subject to the availability of places.

Applications from International (non-UK/EU) students are normally considered by Queen’s for entry to this course until 30 June 2020. If you apply for 2020 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Terms and Conditions

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2020.

Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.

Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.